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Apple has rolled out the Tap to Pay feature on iPhones in five additional European Union countries, following its slow rollout that began in the United States in 2022. Since then, iPhone users in the US have been able to make payments to other iPhone users without any additional hardware. The feature has gradually been introduced in regions outside the US, with the UK launching in 2023 and France and Japan in May 2024.   Now, Apple has announced in a statement that the "Tap to Pay" feature on iPhones is also available in five more countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Ireland, Romania, and Sweden.   Apple has stated that payment platforms such as Adyen, SumUp, and Viva.com support the feature in all five countries. Stripe supports the feature in all countries except Romania. In total, there are 14 payment platforms supporting the feature in the new countries and regions. The "Tap to Pay" feature on iPhones can be used with contactless credit and debit cards from providers such as Visa, American Express, Discover, and Mastercard.   Jennifer Bailey, Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet at Apple, said, "As more consumers begin to use digital wallets and credit cards for payments, the Tap to Pay feature on iPhones will provide businesses with a secure, private, and convenient way to accept contactless payments, leveraging the power, security, and convenience of iPhones to create a new checkout experience."Additionally, Unirfid specializes in providing NFC tags, cards, and wristbands for tap functionality, offering a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to implement contactless payment options.    

As the wave of digitalization sweeps through, public transport systems are undergoing unprecedented transformations. Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, as the vanguard of this revolution, is gradually changing people's travel experiences. The MobiAzores system on the island of Terceira in Portugal is a vivid example of this change. Supported by the technology provider UbiRider, the introduction of NFC technology has greatly simplified the transport payment process, enhanced the passenger experience, and brought unprecedented convenience and data insights to public transport operators.   NFC Technology: The New Norm for Public Transport Payments   NFC technology, with its efficiency and convenience, demonstrates significant potential in the public transport sector. Unlike traditional ticketing or card-swiping methods, NFC allows passengers to simply wave their smartphones or bank cards to complete the payment process, without any physical contact with devices. This significantly reduces payment time and enhances travel efficiency. On Terceira Island, both local residents and international tourists can effortlessly make bus payments using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any NFC-enabled bank card on their smartphones, ensuring a seamless travel experience.   Recognizing the importance of NFC technology in public transport, UbiRider, a leading transport management system provider, developed the integrated application PICK with NFC payment functionality. This application is deeply integrated with the MobiAzores system, bringing revolutionary changes to the public transport system on Terceira Island:   Convenient Payments: Passengers can easily make payments on the bus by downloading the PICK app or using NFC-enabled bank cards, eliminating the need to queue for tickets or carry cash. Real-Time Information: Through the PICK app, passengers can access real-time bus arrival times, route information, and more, allowing them to better plan their travel routes and reduce waiting time. Data Analysis: Public transport operators can leverage the UbiRider platform to access real-time and historical payment data, analyze passenger travel habits, optimize bus routes and service times, and enhance operational efficiency.   NFC technology is reshaping public transport payment systems, offering a more seamless and efficient travel experience for passengers while providing valuable data insights for transport operators to improve services. The case of MobiAzores in Terceira Island exemplifies the transformative power of NFC technology in the realm of public transport.

According to reports, a global leading smart label and packaging solution provider MAXIM-GROUP has provided Nike, a renowned sports brand, with an NFC  tracking tokens combined with blockchain technology. Together, they have created a safer and more transparent shopping experience for consumers while protecting the brand. MAXIM-GROUP, as a pioneer in smart labels and packaging solutions, has been a long-term partner of Nike globally, committed to technological innovation and quality improvement. This latest collaboration combines NFC tag, a proprietary full-chain tracking solution, and the security and transparency features of blockchain technology to provide a comprehensive product tracking solution for Nike's products.   Consumers only need to lightly tap their mobile phone on the NFC  tracking tokens attached to the shoes to quickly obtain product origin information. The information has been dynamically encrypted by the NFC  tracking tokens provided for Nike. When read, it is first decoded and authenticated, and then automatically redirects the mobile Alipay to the AntChain. After two high-level encryption and decryption authentication processes, Nike's NFC  tracking tokens has truly achieved product authentication data that cannot be tampered with or copied, protecting consumers and brands' interests. Consumers can also immediately understand product origin information through this ring. Simultaneously, the introduction of blockchain technology ensures the authenticity and non-tamperability of data, providing consumers with a more reliable shopping guarantee.   As shown in the figure, this technology was developed in collaboration with Nike, MAXIM-GROUP, and has been applied to over 2 million pairs of shoes, helping Nike to protect its brand.

According to Xinhua News Agency, on July 11th local time, the European Commission announced that it had reached a settlement with Apple Inc. from the United States. Apple has agreed to open up its Near Field Communication (NFC) technology-based mobile payment feature to competitors for free. This commitment will be legally binding for a period of 10 years and will apply to the entire European Economic Area. This means that in the European market, Apple's NFC payment feature will be available for third-party platforms.   Apple stated that this service will provide European developers with a choice, allowing them to develop features such as car keys, transport cards, mobile keys, mobile tickets, and contactless payments in their iOS apps. European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager expressed on social media that Apple allowing competitors to use the iPhone's tap-and-pay technology addresses the EU's concerns about potential anti-competitive restrictions on iPhone mobile wallets, and will open up competition in this key area.   Earlier reports indicated that in 2022, the European Commission accused Apple of restricting third-party mobile payment app developers from using NFC, which was deemed as anti-competitive behavior. The EU believed that the tech giant was preventing competitors from using the "tap-and-go" chip or Near Field Communication (NFC) to benefit its own Apple Pay system.   The European Commission had previously warned that if Apple did not make changes, it could face fines of up to 10% of the company's global annual turnover. With Apple's revenue in 2023 totaling $383 billion, a potential fine of approximately $40 billion could be imposed.   In light of these circumstances, Apple opted to compromise with the European Commission and reach a settlement. As per the initial commitments put forth by Apple, the company will provide third-party mobile payment app developers with free access to NFC on Apple devices without the need for Apple Pay or Apple Wallet. The European Commission subsequently conducted market testing on Apple's commitments, and Apple modified its commitments based on the testing and feedback.   The European Commission has recognized these commitments and stated that Apple's final commitments will help address the Commission's concerns about competition in the relevant market. Reports citing a statement from Apple mentioned that the company will enable NFC non-contact payments and transactions in various usage scenarios for developers in the European Economic Area within their relevant applications.   In recent years, the European Commission has taken multiple actions against Apple. In December 30, 2023, the European Commission announced that all electronic devices must adopt the "Type-C" interface, including Apple devices. The EU mandated that starting in 2024, USB Type-C will become the universal standard for electronic devices in the EU, and by 2026, this regulation will also app...

In recent years, the automotive industry has been undergoing unprecedented changes, driven by rapid technological advancements. Keyless entry and operation technologies have emerged as hot topics that many car manufacturers are vigorously pursuing. NXP Semiconductors, a global leader in semiconductor technology, has made a significant breakthrough in the realm of digital car keys with its innovative NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. NXP has become the first NFC technology company to receive certification from the Connected Car Alliance (CCC).   The SN220 chip by NXP Semiconductors shines as a star product in this field. This chip integrates NFC controllers with embedded security elements and leverages Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies to provide users with a consistent and seamless car access experience. By obtaining CCC certification, the SN220 chip has demonstrated industry-leading standards in both security and interoperability, offering unprecedented convenience and safety to car owners and authorized users.   Alicia Johnson, President of CCC, emphasized the increasing consumer demand for connected car ecosystems as automotive connectivity accelerates. The certification program launched by CCC aims to encourage more companies and products to comply with its digital key specifications, thereby promoting industry-wide interoperability and security. With its deep expertise in NFC, UWB, and BLE technologies, NXP Semiconductors has successfully completed the certification process, setting a benchmark for the industry.   Since its launch in 2021, the SN220 chip has been widely adopted in mobile devices such as smartphones and wearables, gradually penetrating the automotive sector. Not only does it support NFC-based digital car key functions, but it also has the potential to expand to support passive entry capabilities using UWB and BLE technologies in the future. This forward-looking design positions the SN220 chip at the forefront of technological advancements in future car access technologies.   It is worth noting that NFC technology holds vast potential in digital car access. Not only can it customize and share keys, but it can also function normally when a mobile phone's battery is low and unable to turn on. Additionally, the limited range of NFC transmissions effectively prevents the risk of keyless proximity attacks, providing a safer car access experience for owners. However, contactless technology still faces security risks. The security requirements of the CCC digital key specifications are designed to address this challenge. It mandates that manufacturers integrate high-level security measures into their devices and vehicles to ensure users can securely access, create, delete, and share digital keys. NXP Semiconductors, as an active member of the CCC organization, has been dedicated to driving industry standardization processes and has made significant efforts to ensure its produ...

In a recent announcement on the "Qingdao Tong Card" public account, it was revealed that Qingdao Tong has partnered with Xiaotiancai smartwatch to introduce a new student NFC card. This card allows students to enjoy a 50% discount on public transportation and subway services within Qingdao city, with discounts varying in other districts based on local policies.   One of the key features of this NFC card is its ability to function without the need for an internet connection. Users can utilize the card even in black screen mode, making it convenient and efficient for students on the go. Additionally, the card remains operational for up to 12 hours after the device shuts down due to low battery.   Furthermore, parents can remotely recharge the card through an app and monitor the balance at any time, ensuring that their children have access to transportation services when needed.   UniRFID, a professional manufacturer, stands ready to provide customized NFC card solutions for customers, catering to a wide range of needs and requirements. With the introduction of the student NFC card by Qingdao Tong and Xiaotiancai Smartwatch, enhanced convenience and cost-saving opportunities are now available for students in Qingdao.Related Productions: NFC Cards, RFID Cards 

As Dragon Boat Festival approaches from June 8th to June 10th, UniRFID extends our warmest wishes to all our valued customers for a joyous and festive celebration. This traditional Chinese holiday, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a time-honored occasion marked by the enjoyment of zongzi and the thrilling spectacle of dragon boat racing. Let's delve into the rich traditions associated with these customs and the significance they hold during this special festival.       In addition to savoring zongzi, Dragon Boat Festival is synonymous with the exhilarating sport of dragon boat racing. This ancient tradition involves teams of rowers paddling in sync to the beat of drums in elaborately decorated dragon boats. The races symbolize the search for Qu Yuan's body in the river and are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Dragon boat racing is not only a competitive sport but also a vibrant display of teamwork, camaraderie, and cultural heritage.   UniRFID, as a professional manufacturer, is dedicated to providing excellent RFID tags, NFC stickers, NFC cards, and RFID wristbands to our valued customers. We strive to enhance your experiences and interactions with our innovative solutions, empowering businesses with the latest in RFID technology.   Related Products:  RFID tags, NFC stickers, NFC cards, and RFID wristbands

In a bid to revolutionize advertising on train carriages, KBH, a railway carriage media company based in the UK, has rolled out an innovative NFC advertising service named Tap4Offers within 360 carriages of the Southwest Railway Company. This groundbreaking project is set to expand to 11 railway companies across the UK, encompassing over 6000 carriages in total.   According to insights from Mobile Payments Network, each interactive area of Tap4Offers features NFC tags and QR codes, allowing passengers to access transactional content and exclusive offers tailored to their interests. Within each carriage, there are 12 touchpoints, comprising 12 NFC tags and 12 QR codes, enhancing the accessibility and engagement possibilities for passengers.   KBH has reported a positive response since the launch of the service, with over 10,000 passengers already utilizing the Tap4Offers platform. Impressively, 33% of users have opted to engage with the service through NFC tags, emphasizing the growing trend towards contactless and interactive advertising experiences.   In addition to NFC and QR code functionalities, the touchpoint posters also display a unique numerical sequence. Passengers can text this sequence to a designated number via SMS to receive a link to the Tap4Offers platform, enabling them to further explore the range of services and benefits available.   Beyond downloading coupons, passengers can leverage this service to access a plethora of railway information, including video downloads and e-books, enhancing their travel experience and making the most of their time spent on board.   The introduction of Tap4Offers by KBH marks a significant advancement in interactive advertising within the railway industry, offering passengers a seamless and engaging way to access relevant content, exclusive offers, and valuable information during their journey. As the service continues to expand across various railway networks, it paves the way for a new era of personalized and interactive advertising experiences for passengers nationwide.  

    In a recent announcement by Xiaomi's automotive division, the Xiaomi SU7 is set to revolutionize smart travel by supporting multiple smart wristbands for unlocking vehicles using NFC technology. This innovative feature is poised to offer users a whole new level of intelligent travel experience.   NFC (Near Field Communication) technology enables short-range wireless communication, allowing electronic devices to exchange data within a few centimeters without physical contact. In the automotive sector, NFC technology has been widely utilized for scenarios like vehicle unlocking and starting. By integrating NFC technology, vehicles can establish secure and fast connections with users' smart wristbands and other devices, enabling keyless unlocking and starting of the vehicle.   As a key model in Xiaomi's automotive lineup, the Xiaomi SU7 will support various Xiaomi and third-party brand wristbands for unlocking vehicles using NFC technology. This feature will bring several conveniences to users:   Firstly, users can unlock their vehicles using the wristband without the need to carry traditional keys, reducing the risk of key loss. A simple wave is all it takes to effortlessly unlock the vehicle and get on the road quickly.   Additionally, as wristbands are wearable devices, they offer higher portability and security. Users can wear the wristband on their wrists at all times, eliminating concerns about forgetting or losing keys. Moreover, wristbands support security features like password protection and fingerprint recognition, ensuring the vehicle's security.   Furthermore, the Xiaomi SU7 allows users to set up multiple wristbands as vehicle keys, facilitating vehicle sharing among family members or friends. By adding the corresponding wristband devices in the vehicle settings, users can easily enable shared vehicle access.   The Xiaomi SU7 is not only compatible with Xiaomi's own smart wristband products but also supports smart wristbands from other leading brands. This means that regardless of the smart wristband brand users prefer, seamless integration with the Xiaomi SU7 ensures a convenient smart travel experience.   Market Potential of NFC Car Keys:   The market space for NFC car keys is rapidly expanding and holds significant growth potential. Digital keys are becoming an integral part of vehicle intelligence trends. According to data from the Gaogong Smart Automobile Research Institute, by 2023, the delivery volume of new vehicles equipped with pre-installed digital keys in the Chinese market (excluding imports and exports) will exceed 7 million units, a year-on-year growth of 52.54%, maintaining a high growth rate. This demonstrates an increasing consumer acceptance of digital key technology, with market demand rapidly rising.   Furthermore, NFC technology, as a means of implementing digital keys, offers unique advantages. NFC technology facilitates close-range wireless communication...

In a recent development, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has declared the cancellation of the RFID 840-845MHz frequency band. This decision comes as part of efforts to adapt to the evolving landscape of RFID technology and better regulate the use of radio frequency identification devices.   Back in 2007, the former Ministry of Information Industry issued the "RFID Technology Application Regulations (Trial)" (No. 205 of the Ministry of Information Industry), outlining the attributes and technical requirements of RFID devices. While the regulations played a positive role in advancing the RFID industry, they have become outdated in light of technological advancements and increased RFID device usage.   Three primary reasons drove the decision to update the regulations: the shift towards the 900MHz frequency band in RFID device manufacturing, the need for clearer definitions and management practices for RFID devices, and the necessity to align regulations with industry development and application requirements.   In response to these factors, the MIIT has introduced the "RFID Radio Management Regulations for the 900MHz Frequency Band." The key provisions of the new regulations are as follows:   The regulations aim to bolster the development of the radio industry, enhance RFID device management, improve spectrum efficiency, maintain radio wave order, and align with existing radio management laws and regulations.   RFID technology, as defined in the regulations, involves the modulation and encoding of radio signals to enable contactless data transfer between readers and tags, primarily used in public safety, production management, logistics, transportation, and other sectors.   The regulations apply to the research, production, import, sale, and use of RFID radio transmitters operating in the 920-925MHz frequency band.   Manufacturers or importers selling or using RFID radio transmitters domestically are required to comply with the "Technical Requirements for 900MHz RFID Radio Transmitters" (see appendix) and obtain model approval from the national radio management authority.   Furthermore, the regulations specify guidelines for the setup, usage, interference mitigation, and supervision of RFID radio transmitters to ensure compliance and responsible operation within designated frequency bands.   The MIIT has set the implementation date for these regulations as November 1, 2024, and simultaneously revoked the previous "RFID Technology Application Regulations (Trial)" (No. 205 of the Ministry of Information Industry). Moving forward, the national radio management authority will no longer accept or approve model applications for RFID radio transmitters in the 840-845MHz frequency band. Existing devices approved for this frequency band can continue to be sold and used until their end-of-life.     This regulatory update reflects the MIIT's commitment to fostering innovation, ens...

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced new regulations for cattle identification, requiring the use of rfid ear tags. The regulation is expected to be published in the Federal Register in May and will take effect 180 days after publication. Currently, the only approved electronic official identification tag is the RFID tag.   This regulation is part of a long-standing USDA initiative aimed at enhancing traceability in dairy and beef cattle to prevent livestock disease outbreaks. USDA officials state that the agency is committed to implementing a traceability system that will track animal identification from birth to slaughter.   The upcoming regulation targets non-spayed cattle and bison aged 18 months and older, all dairy cattle, as well as any cattle or bison used for rodeo or recreational activities.   Reducing Disruptive Processes   Traditional animal identification methods require users to visually read printed numbers on metal ear tags. Manual data entry for metal tags increases the risk of transcription errors.   According to the USDA, manual data entry processes can disrupt normal livestock operations, add pressure on animal caretakers, and increase the risk of injury to animals and handlers.   RFID Ear Tags for Faster and More Accurate Data Collection   USDA officials claim that RFID ear tags enable faster and more accurate animal identification data collection. One advantage is that veterinarians can efficiently gather information with less disruption to individual animals or herds, thereby minimizing impacts on producers and communities.   Millions of Cattle to Be Tagged   Currently, the total number of cattle and bison in the United States fluctuates between 85 to 100 million annually, including some bison and cattle that move across state lines but are exempt from official identification requirements.   Under the new regulations, all cattle within the specified types and age categories will require an ear tag with both visual identification and an electronic RFID chip. If a cattle already has an official tag with only visual identification before the effective date of the regulation, producers do not need to apply an electronically readable tag to that animal at that time.   Official tags with only visual identification applied to cattle and bison before the effective date of the regulation will be considered the official lifetime identification for those animals.   LF and UHF RFID for Livestock Management   Approved devices for EID include 134.2 kHz LF RFID tags compliant with ISO standards 11784 and 11785, as well as UHF RFID tags.

    Following recent developments and in alignment with local guidelines,  UniRFID is pleased to announce that we have resumed normal operations from Labor Day Holidays. We are excited to welcome back our employees and clients to our facilities.   As we navigate through these challenging times, the safety and well-being of our staff and customers remain our top priority. We have implemented strict health and safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for everyone.   We understand the importance of open communication and collaboration, and we encourage our clients, partners, and stakeholders to reach out to us with any inquiries, concerns, or project discussions. Our team is ready and available to assist you with your needs.     Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work together towards a successful future.     UniRFID is a leading industrycompany dedicated to our customers realize the full potential of RFID technology. With a focus on NFC tag, rfid tag, smart cards, rfid wristbands and readers, we strive to customers 100% satisfactions.